Uncertain times, 1960-1990

By Jonathan Blatchford

Centenary year

In 1968, Pratts celebrated its 100th year in its current site. The photograph below, taken just two years later is an indication of how far the shop had come in this time.

A photo of Pratts, two years prior to its centenary

Surfacing worries

Beginning in the 1970’s, rumours began to circulate about the future of Pratts. Trading was in fact on the increase, but there were several aspects of the store that had the Partnership worried. Firstly, there was the aforementioned issue over expansion and redevelopment. In its current location, neither of these were a viable option.

Isolated

Secondly and more importantly, the location of the store itself was presenting some issues. For Pratts was not in fact in any town centre. The other suburban department store, Bon Marche had already perished for this reason (much to the initial fortuity of Pratts sales figures). The nearest town to the store was Croydon, three miles away. Although this had not proved a problem up until now, a re-development of Croydon could affect Pratt’s performance should customers choose not to travel.

Internal growth creates more pressure

Despite this, Pratt’s position in the Partnership was also under substantial threat from internal growth and development. The relocation of Trewins to a location twice its present size was immanent. John Lewis Brent Cross opened in 1976, and although it was not in Pratt’s backyard, the sheer gulf in modernity, availability and accessibility between the stores meant that customers were prepared to travel there. The announcement in the 1980’s that a branch of the Partnership would finally be built in Kingston-upon-Thames sealed the fate of Pratts. Unable to undergo any of its own rebuilding, there was little alternative for Pratts.